Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Christine Assange Demands Kevin Rudd Protect Her Son Or Resign

By Jerry Smith Feb 15 2011
assangewatch.blogspot.com

Christine Assange, Julian Assange's mother, has delivered an eight page hand-written letter to Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd's electoral office. The letter highlights what she calls the injustices of the case against her son and demands that Rudd intervene on behalf of her son or resign.
Rudd has previously offered his support for Julian Assange as an Australian citizen, but claims he can not intervene in the activities of another government.

Referring to the case against her son, Christine Assange said:

"As you know, this highly publicised case has been scrutinised by the most eminent legal minds. Many have condemned the Swedish authorities for their violation of international standards of fairness."

In the letter she gave to the Foreign Minister she reminds him about the statements he has made regarding her son and said:

"Earlier this week you stated, 'We take seriously the freedoms of the press and the proper protection afforded foreign journalists.' Given your statement, Mr Rudd, I would like an explanation as to why you have failed to act upon any of them."

Christine Assange also pleaded with Rudd:

"To make a strong and urgent representation to Sweden, to drop the extradition case against Julian on the grounds that he cannot now receive a fair trial. If you do not act I can only conclude that you've been gagged or intimidated, possibly by the very person who deposed you from your prime ministership eight months ago. Alternatively, you are choosing freely to be derelict in your duties as Australian Foreign Minister."

"If you are unable or unwilling to protect my son, I demand your immediate resignation."

When asked about the accusations against her son in Daniel Domscheit-Berg's new book 'Inside WikiLeaks: My Time with Julian Assange at the World's Most Dangerous Website', Christine Assange responded:

"I've never seen Julian be mean to animals, he actually loves cats. Look, there's a lot of money to be made out of Julian at the moment, isn’t there, let's face it. There's a lot of fantasy out there."

Christine Assange has asked Foreign Minister Rudd to respond to her request in writing.

Rudd told a morning show that there has been much communication between Australia consular officials in the United Kingdom and Mr Assange, and that he is confident Mr.Assange has been given the proper level of assistance.